Kermit wrote:
> I recently bought a Specialized Rockhopper, and the gears keep skipping.
>
> The problem is worst going up steep hills when I'm in the lower gears.
>
> Any ideas?
>
Yea, worn chain, worn cassetter, worn chain rings, loose chain.
Measure 12 links of the chain. If it's more than 12-1/8" replace it (some replace at 12-1/16). A new
chain measures 1"/link. Note that replacing a very worn chain will typically require that you also
replace the cassette and chainrings because they'll be worn to the old chain's wider spacing and the
new chain will only pull against *1* tooth! i.e., it'll skip
.
Does it skip on all of the chainrings? If so, replace the cassette. If it skips on only one of the
chainrings, try replacing just that chainring.
Does is skip on all of the cassette gears? If so, you need to recheck your chainrings
. If it
skips on the most frequently used cassette gears, the cassette needs to be replaced.
You can test for a loose chain by removing it and rethreading it outside the derailleur. Put it on
the big-big combination. You should have
1/2-1 full chain link (1-2 chain pieces). If you have more, make sure that your suspension's in the
position that needs the longest chain. If it is, I'd try removing a link, then making sure that
it'll still shift in and out of the big-big combination without binding (test both front and back
shifts) so that if you shift into this combination by accident, you won't break anything.
David
